Commemorative stamp unveiled by SL and Türkiye to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, in collaboration with Turkish Post and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, launched special commemorative stamps to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Special Commemorative Stamps and First Day Covers, designed by a Sri Lankan artist, were launched simultaneously in Türkiye and Sri Lanka on December 8th.

Turkish Post and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials handed over Special First Day Covers with stamps to Ambassador Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake in Ankara, Türkiye.

Ambassador Dissanayake conceptualized the launch of stamps in both countries, collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the Special First Day Covers with stamps to Turkish Ambassador Oğuzhan Ertuğrul, Director General for South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Mr. Mahmut Uluer, Hony. Consul for Sri Lanka in Nevsehir and to Mr. Vasantha Perera, by Ambassador Dissanayake.

Mr. Vasantha Perera designed the commemorative stamps for 75-year diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, and contributed to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara. He has also contributed to the design of the brochure for the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara, catering to both Turkish and Sri Lankan participants.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka announced commemorative stamps featuring two significant places in Sri Lanka and Türkiye: Sigiriya in Pidurangala, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a 5th Century Royal Palace, and Cappadocia in the Central Anatolian region, known for its unique geological features.

The two stamps are linked by the hot air balloons in Sri Lanka and Türkiye, operated by Mr. Mahmut Uluer, the Hon. Consul for Sri Lanka in Nevsehir Region.

The Special First Day Cover depicts the "Villa Stamboul" in Sri Lanka, built by Sir Mohamed Marcan Marker, Hony. Consul for the Ottoman Empire from 1903-1923, named after Istanbul.

Sri Lankan stamp design for a foreign country marks the first time, whilst it was the first Turkish stamp designed by a non-Turk.

Attended were the Parliamentarians, officials from the Turkish Post plus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Ambassadors based in Ankara, ambassadors, Sri Lankan consuls, Turkish academicians, former ambassadors, Sri Lankan community along with Turkish community.